THE BEACH — Heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a pop-culture buff who heads out on a quest to find a mythical island paradise in this adaptation of Alex Garland's controversial novel. French star Virginie Ledoyen co-stars. Directed by Danny Boyle ("A Life Less Ordinary"). Reviewed in this section. R (). (.)
HOLY SMOKE — The latest from filmmaker Jane Campion (1997's "Portrait of a Lady") is this drama about an Australian family that recruits an American cult expert (Harvey Keitel) to "de-program" their daughter (Kate Winslet), who has fallen under the sway of an Indian guru. Reviewed in this section. R (profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity, drug use, violence). (.)
SNOW DAY — From the creators of television's "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" comes this family comedy — a joint Paramount/Nickelodeon production about a New York family, and their adventures during a "snow day" that threatens to cancel school classes. The cast includes Chevy Chase, Jean Smart and Chris Elliott. Reviewed in this section. PG (). (.)
THE TIGGER MOVIE — A.A. Milne's beloved creation Winnie the Pooh and his forest pals return to the big screen for the first time in 23 years with this animated feature, about Tigger's efforts to find out whether he really is the only one of his kind. Featuring six new songs by longtime Disney songwriters Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Jeff Vice interviews the Sherman brothers on Page W1; movie reviewed in this section. G (nothing offensive). (.)
DIAL M FOR MURDER —***1/2 — It's spawned a horde of similarly themed movies (including 1997's "A Perfect Murder"), but Alfred Hitchcock's nail-biting 1954 suspense-thriller has never been equalled by its many imitators. It's enthralling from start to finish, but the terrific cast helps, particularly Ray Milland. who stars as a greedy husband trying to off his wealthy wife (the always-luminous Grace Kelly) for her fortune. Made before ratings, probable PG (violence). (Jordan Commons.)
ANGELA'S ASHES —**1/2 — It features some fine performances, particularly by Emily Watson and Robert Carlyle, but Alan Parker adaptation of the best-selling, Depression-era memoirs of Frank McCourt is a dreary, "greatest-hits" medley of stories from the book. Not unwatchable, but definitely a disappointment considering the source material. R (profanity, violence, nudity, vulgarity, sex). (Century, Creekside, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
ANNA AND THE KING —**1/2 — It's too long and actually tries to tell too much story, but this lavish, non-musical version of the fact-based tale benefits from strong performances by Jodie Foster as headstrong British governess Anna Leonowens and even better, Hong Kong action star Chow Yun-Fat as the equally strong-willed King of Siam. Great cinematography and production design also helps. In English and in Siamese, with English subtitles. PG-13 (violence, gore). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne.) (Dec. 17, 1999)
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY—**1/2 — With this gridiron drama filmmaker Oliver Stone has gone out of his way to take a fairly easy-to-understand (not to mention enjoy) story line and make it more complicated by adding some unnecessary subplots, recognizable stars with too-small parts and what seem to be outtakes from a rap music video centered around the sport. R (profanity, violence, nudity, drug use, vulgarity). (Century, Jordan Landing, South Towne.) (Dec. 22, 1999) — Dainon Moody
ANYWHERE BUT HERE —**1/2 — Despite some good performances by Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman, playing a bickering mother and daughter transplanted to Beverly Hills, this drama is surprisingly superficial and not nearly affecting enough. Watchable, but nothing special. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, brief violence). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
BEING JOHN MALKOVICH — *** — Almost too eccentric for its own good, this comedy/fantasy stars John Cusack as a puppeteer who discovers a portal into the mind of the American character actor John Malkovich. So bizarre as to be indescribable, but refreshingly different — at least until it starts to run out of steam midway through. R (profanity, sex, vulgarity, violence, brief partial nudity, drug use). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
BICENTENNIAL MAN — ** — Lacking the subtlety and profundity of its source material — a short story by the late Isaac Asimov — this too-long, sci-fi based comedy/drama stars Robin Williams as an android household worker who yearns to be human. A few laughs, but this story's been done better many times before. PG (profanity, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Gateway, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz, South Towne.) (Dec. 17, 1999)
BLUE STREAK — ** — Comedian-turned-actor Martin Lawrence's first real chance to distinguish himself as a movie lead is a bleached, cluttered photostat of "Beverly Hills Cop" that's only a bit more clever than the original. Some amusing moments, though. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 17, 1999) — Gene Seymour, Newsday
THE BONE COLLECTOR —*1/2 — The first half of this thriller — "Rear Window" as a serial killer tale — is somewhat tense. But it really falls apart in the gory and illogical final 15 minutes. Frankly, Denzel Washington, here playing a paraplegic detective on the killer's trail, can do a lot better than this. R (gore, violence, profanity, vulgarity). (Sugar House.) (Nov. 5, 1999)
THE CIDER HOUSE RULES —**1/2 — Author John Irving has no one to blame but himself for this superficial adaptation of his controversial best-seller, since he wrote the screenplay. But a good cast, which includes Tobey Maguire as orphan Homer Wells and Michael Caine as orphanage director Dr. Wilbur Larch, still nearly salvages the film from its own worst tendencies. PG-13 (drug use, violence, sex, nudity, gore, profanity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Jordan Landing, South Towne.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
CRADLE WILL ROCK — ** — You can't blame actor-turned-filmmaker Tim Robbins for wearing his politics on his sleeve. But that doesn't make his latest, an overly earnest comedy/drama about the 1930s New York cultural revolution, any easier to watch. The ensemble cast, which includes Hank Azaria, John Cusack, Bill Murray and Emily Watson, deserved better. R (profanity, nudity, violence, sex, vulgarity). (Jordan Commons.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
DEUCE BIGALOW: MALE GIGOLO — turkey — It's been too long for us to still be getting "Ace Ventura" rip-offs, yet here comes this mean-spirited, unfunny romp starring Rob Schneider as a fish-tank cleaner who takes a job as a male escort to pay off a huge debt. The crude humor is bad enough, but the attempts to be sweet are even worse. Ugh! R (vulgarity, violence, profanity, nudity, sex) (Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Sandy 9.) (Dec. 10, 1999)
DOGMA — ** — Filmmaker Kevin Smith's already-controversial comedy about faith and religion starts out very funny. But this too-long farce about an abortion clinic worker who has to stop two fallen angels from unmaking reality quickly runs out of steam, and the wit is replaced crude, unfunny humor. Not worth the furor, frankly. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, gore, drug use, brief nudity, racial epithets). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Valley Fair.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
DOUBLE JEOPARDY — ** — As ridiculous as the plot is and as many plot holes are there are, Ashley Judd still injects some needed energy into this thriller about a woman being falsely convicted of murder, who seeks revenge on her "dead" spouse after being paroled. Tommy Lee Jones is wasted in a supporting role as her parole officer, though. R (profanity, violence, gore, sex, brief nudity, vulgarity). (Kaysville, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Sept. 24, 1999)
DOWN TO YOU — ** — For further proof that nothing new can be done with the teen romantic comedy genre, look to this chemistry-free dud starring Freddie Prinze Jr. as a student chef trying to reconcile with his true love (Julia Stiles, from "10 Things I Hate About You"). Nearly laughless, but Stiles somehow manages to charm — despite being paired with walking mannequin Prinze. PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, sex, nude artwork, drug use). (Carmike 12, Century, Creekside, Crossroads, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
END OF DAYS —*1/2 — Arnold Schwarzenegger's long-awaited return to the big screen is a dumb occult-based thriller about an alcoholic ex-cop trying to prevent Satan from ending all existence. Unfortunately, the script is jaw-droppingly bad, as is Ah-nult's lead performance. What's worse, director Peter Hyams tries to make up for it with bombast, including explosions galore. Bad move. R (violence, gore, profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Cinemas 5, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 26, 1999)
THE END OF THE AFFAIR — *** — It's not a complete return to form for slumping filmmaker Neil Jordan, but his adaptation of the Graham Greene novel is wryly witty and features a good cast, including Ralph Fiennes as a novelist with an adulterous obsession for his friend's wife (the always-steady Julianne Moore). But be warned that the sex scenes are surprisingly graphic. R (sex, nudity, violence, profanity). (Broadway, South Towne.) (Jan. 21, 2000)
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER — ** — This suspense- thriller starring Ewan McGregor and Ashley Judd — playing, respectively, a British intelligence agent and his murderous quarry — does start well. But it quickly gets bogged down by ludicrous, nonsensical plotting. In fact, it would take a real intelligence agent to explain what the whole point of the movie is supposed to be. R (violence, profanity, nudity, gore, sex, drug use). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Crossroads, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Jan. 28, 2000)
FIGHT CLUB — *** — Depending on your perspective, this ultra-violent dark comedy from filmmaker David Fincher ("Seven," "The Game") is either the most exhilarating film in quite a while or the most irritating one. This kinetic, wild ride follows a yuppie (Edward Norton) who befriends a brawler (Brad Pitt) and is pulled into the anarchic underground. Definitely runs out of steam in the final third, though. R (violence, profanity, gore, sex, nudity, vulgarity). (Sugar House.) (Oct. 15, 1999)
GALAXY QUEST — *** — A funny spoof of the original "Star Trek" television series, featuring great special effects and a surprisingly good performance by Tim Allen as the former star of a popular television series, who is abducted by real aliens who want him to help save their race. Watch for Utah's Goblin Valley, substituting for an alien planet. PG (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, torture). (Carmike 12, Century, Cottonwood, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Reel, Ritz.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
GIRL, INTERRUPTED —**1/2 — Despite terrific performances from Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder, director James Mangold's adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's autobiographical novel is a superficial period drama that seems like a rip-off of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Not terrible, but a disappointment. R (profanity, drug use, vulgarity, violence, brief nudity). (Century, Creekside, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, Trolley North, Trolley Square.) (Jan. 14, 2000)
THE GREEN MILE — *** — It's no "Shawshank Redemption" — it's way, way too long, for one thing — but Frank Darabont's ambitious adaptation of Stephen King's serialized best-seller still has its share of moments. Tom Hanks stars as a prison guard who discovers one of his inmates may have healing powers. But the supporting cast (especially Michael Duncan Clarke) upstages him. R (profanity, violence, vulgarity, racial epithets, gore, sex, drug use, brief nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 10, 1999)
HAPPY, TEXAS —**1/2 — It's silly than it is funny, but the comedic hit of this year's Sundance Film Festival features terrific performances from Jeremy Northam and Steve Zahn as two prison escapees who impersonate beauty pageant directors in a small Texas community. The real star, however, is William H. Macy, playing the town's conflicted lawman. PG-13 (violence, profanity, vulgarity, sex). (Kaysville.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL — turkey — A sorry reincarnation of the 1950s William Castle horror film in which an eccentric millionaire offered five strangers $10,000 each to stay the night in a spooky old mansion. All the special effects in the world cannot compensate for an inability to generate tension, establish and sustain pace or create any character whose survival is worth rooting for. R (violence, gore, nudity, profanity). (Valley Fair.) (Oct. 30, 1999) — Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times News Service
THE HURRICANE — *** — It's too "Hollywood-ized" and too long for its own good, but this biographical drama about falsely imprisoned boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter benefits from a powerful performance by Denzel Washington as the title character. Still, it should have been a lot more. R (violence, profanity, gore, racial epithets, brief nudity). (Broadway, Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne.) (Jan. 14, 2000)
ISN'T SHE GREAT —**1/2 — The biographical comedy about Jacqueline Susann, author of the controversial 1966 novel "Valley of the Dolls," has a great cast — including Bette Midler as its lead. Unfortunately, the script is little more than a series of one-liners. We don't learn much about Jackie beyond her yearnings for fame and her expensive tastes. R (profanity, vulgarity). (Century, Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Corners.) (Jan. 28, 2000) — Christy Lemire, Associated Press
MAGNOLIA —***1/2 — Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson's follow-up to "Boogie Nights" is a sprawling, self-indulgent mess. But it's also an oddly compelling drama /fantasy with several intersecting story lines concerning child abuse, heartbreak and regrets. The terrific ensemble cast includes Tom Cruise, William H. Macy, Jason Robards, John C. Reilly and Julianne Moore. R (profanity, vulgarity, drug use, violence, sex, nudity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Century, Jordan Landing, South Towne.) (Jan. 7, 2000)
MANSFIELD PARK — *** — This adaptation of Jane Austen's novel isn't quite as scandalous as Austen purists would have you believe. In fact, it's a well-acted drama about an impoverished young woman (Frances O'Connor, fabulous in the lead role) who finds love and more when she is sent to live with her wealthy relatives. PG-13 (drug use, nude artwork, profanity, vulgarity, racial epithets). (Broadway, Jordan Commons.) (Dec. 24, 1999)
THE MESSENGER: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC — ** — There may indeed be a message to this messy biopic, which stars Milla Jovovich ("The Fifth Element") stars as the title character. But director Luc Besson muddles historical "fact," and throws in surprisingly graphic war scenes that give "Braveheart" a run for its money. R (violence, gore, profanity, rape, vulgarity). (Cinemas 5, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 12, 1999)
NEXT FRIDAY — turkey — Completely lacking in the low-key charm of its predecessor, the 1995 "in-the-hood" comedy, this unfunny sequel brings Craig Jones (returning star and screenwriter Ice Cube) to the suburbs, where he continues to find trouble. Cheap sexual and drug humor and flatulence gags dominate. R (profanity, drug use, racial epithets, vulgarity, violence, sex, partial nudity, brief gore). (Century, Jordan Commons, Midvalley.) (Jan. 12, 2000)
PLAY IT TO THE BONE —**1/2 — Director Ron Shelton has created funny, entertaining films about sports. But his latest, which delves into the brutal, corrupt world of professional boxing, can only be rated as a split decision. Antonio Banderas and Woody Harrelson star as best friends and boxing rivals driving cross country to qualify for a lucrative prizefight. R (violence, profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity, drug use). (Century, Cottonwood, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Ritz, Trolley North.) (Jan. 21, 2000) — Bob Thomas, Associate Press
POKEMON: THE FIRST MOVIE —*1/2 — Much too dark, disturbing and violent for young audiences, this poorly animated adventure — based on the popular television series, card game and video game — is one of the most inappropriate films aimed at families in a long time. Also plays with the animated short "Pikachu's Vacation." G (animated violence). (Cinemas 5, Kaysville, Sandy Starships, Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Nov. 10, 1999)
SCREAM 3 —**1/2 — The finale of director Wes Craven's horror-comedy film series is a rather uneven movie-industry parody that starts well but fades badly in the final third. Stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette reprise their roles, but indie actress Parker Posey steals the show as method actress shadowing Cox Arquette's character. R (violence, profanity, gore, vulgarity, brief partial nudity). (Carmike 12, Century, Holladay, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, Sandy 9, Trolley Corners, Trolley North.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
THE SIXTH SENSE —**1/2 — Surprise, surprise, surprise. Bruce Willis actually acts in this creepy fantasy/thriller about a child psychologist attempting to treat an 8-year-old (Haley Joel Osment, from "Bogus") who claims he is able to communicate with the dead. The ending is a real shocker. PG-13 (profanity, violence, gore, vulgarity, partial nudity). (Gateway, Midvalley, Sandy 9.) (Aug. 6, 1999)
SLEEPY HOLLOW —**1/2 — It's gory and a more than a little silly (particularly the ending), but filmmaker Tim Burton's take on Washington Irving's classic tale is also a very stylish piece. And Johnny Depp seems to be channeling late actor Roddy McDowall in his performance as detective Ichabod Crane, who's investigating a series of mysterious beheadings. R (violence, gore, sex, mild profanity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Gateway; Sandy 9.) (Nov. 19, 1999)
SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS — **1/2 — Writer/director Scott Hicks' has followed up the acclaimed "Shine" with this great-looking but aloof drama, based on David Guterson's best-selling novel about a journalist (Ethan Hawke) covering a racially divisive trial in post World War II-era America. A bit superficial, but the images are startling, and Max von Sydow steals the show in supporting role. PG-13 (violence, sex, racial epithets, profanity, gore). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Sandy 9.) (Jan. 7, 2000)
THE STRAIGHT STORY — ***1/2 — In the hands of director David Lynch, this true story of an elderly Wisconsin man (Richard Farnsworth) traveling cross-country on a riding lawnmower becomes a beguiling case of a man buying into something larger than his demons. So simple, straightforwardly American and unwavering in its trajectory that it seems watched over as opposed to directed, but Lynch's traceless touch demonstrates a newfound faith in emotional truth. G (nothing offensive). (Sandy 9.) (Nov. 5, 1999) — Wesley Morris, San Francisco Examiner
STUART LITTLE — *** — Despite a couple lapses in taste, this live-action version of E.B. White's beloved family tale is a cute romp starring Michael J. Fox as the voice of the title character, a tiny, anthropomorphic rodent who is adopted by a human family. A great cast helps, especially Nathan Lane, who gets the best lines as Stuart's feline competitor for the family's affections. PG (vulgarity, violence). (Carmike 12, Century, Gateway, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Ritz, South Towne, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 17, 1999)
SUPERNOVA — * — A funny thing happened to this bubble-headed monster of a movie on its way to the theaters. Its director abandoned ship and was replaced by a phantom. It's too bad that the director could not have been joined by stars James Spader, Angela Bassett and Lou Diamond Phillips, who are trapped aboard this vehicle in the deepest reaches of outer space. PG-13 (violence, gore, sex, nudity, profanity). (Jordan Landing, Midvalley, Ritz.) (Jan. 18, 2000) — Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times News Service
SUPERSTAR —*1/2 — Like most of the "Saturday Night Live" movies, this silly comedy can't really make the leap from small to big screen. Put another way, Mary Katherine would be better in a smaller dose than an 82-minute movie allows, even with Shannon doing her best to convince us she's the hardest-working woman in show business. PG-13 (vulgarity, profanity, slapstick violence). (Sugar House, Valley Fair.) (Oct. 8, 1999)— Robert Denerstein, Scripps Howard News Service
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY— **** — A bulked-down Matt Damon gives the performance of his career as the lethal title character of this Hitchcockian dramatic thriller from writer/director Anthony Minghella ("The English Patient"), based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. Some audiences will be put off by the sight of Damon playing an identity-changing, gay sociopath, but it's very well-crafted and thrilling. R (violence, profanity, gore, nudity, sex). (Century, Holladay, Jordan Landing, Sandy 9, Trolley Square.) (Dec. 25, 1999)
TARZAN —*** — Surely the best big-screen adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' jungle tales since the early Johnny Weissmuller films, this cartoon adventure/musical is among Disney's best later-period works, especially in terms of animation and story. Voices include Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close and Rosie O'Donnell. G (animated violence, mild vulgarity). (Valley Fair.) (June 19, 1999)
THREE KINGS —***1/2 — Some audiences will be put off by the politics of this Gulf War-era black comedy, a cross between "Kelly's Heroes" and "Catch-22." But it's riveting stuff, and George Clooney, Ice Cube and Mark Wahlberg are all very good as U.S. soldiers who get more than they bargained when they head off on a quest to steal Iraqi gold. R (violence, profanity, gore, torture, racial epithets, vulgarity, brief sex, brief nudity). (Cinemas 5, Sugar House.) (Oct. 1, 1999)
TOPSY-TURVY —***1/2 — Acclaimed British director Mike Leigh's latest is an affectionate ode to the composing/writing team of Gilbert & Sullivan, who are shown struggling to write and produce "The Mikado" — their big "comeback" effort. Kind of slow to begin with and the film's definitely too long (160 minutes). But excellent performances by Jim Broadbent and Allan Corduner as the main characters help, as do the sumptuous renditions of "Mikado" musical numbers. R (nudity, violence, vulgarity, mild profanity, drug use). (Exclusive, Broadway.) (Feb. 4, 2000)
TOY STORY 2 — **** — Contrary to popular belief, sometimes sequels can be every bit as good as the original. Case in point: this very funny follow-up to the 1995 smash hit, which again stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as the voices of computer-animated characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively. Not only is the animation light-years better than that in the original, the story is great, as Buzz and the other toys must rescue Woody from a collector who believes he is a valuable action figure. G (slapstick violence, vulgarity). (Carmike 12, Crossroads, Gateway, Jordan Commons, Jordan Landing, Plaza 5400, Reel, Ritz, Villa.) (Nov. 24, 1999)
WHO GETS THE HOUSE? — ** — This comedy, the latest from Utah's own Feature Films for Families, has an amusing premise about a "custody battle" between a divorcing couple and their kids over the family house. But it quickly gets away from it, and instead concentrates on dumb humor and sappy sentinments. Not terrible, but nothing very special or original either. The cast includes Carl Marotte ("The Mighty") and original "Star Trek" veteran George Takei. G (nothing offensive). (Cottonwood, Ritz.) (Jan. 28, 2000)
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH — ** — This Bond-by-numbers action film is a virtual greatest-hits package of scenes from other, better 007 movies. Meanwhile, glacial Bond girls Denise Richards and Sophie Marceau make Pierce Brosnan look downright warm, and Robert Carlyle makes one of the least interest villains in the film series' history. Not unwatchable, but certainly a disappointment. PG-13 (violence, torture, vulgarity, sex, brief nudity). (Brewvies, must be 21 or older; Kaysville; South Towne.) (Nov. 19, 1999)
Past movie reviews and capsules by Jeff Vice and Chris Hicks are available online at (deseretnews.com). Search for MOVIES.